Covid-19 cases quickly rising again in Dorset
Public Health Dorset say there has also been a sharp rise in the number of people being admitted to hospital
Covid-19 cases across Dorset are now rising again quickly.
Public Health Dorset say the data only includes cases confirmed by PCR and positive lateral flow tests, therefore it is likely that the true figures are higher.
They say prevalence in the community is very high and there is an increased risk you could catch Covid-19.
The number of patients in hospital has also risen from 80 to 131 in the last week.
A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said:
"Although the legal requirement to self-isolate has been removed, everyone should take responsibility to do the right thing to protect others and reduce pressure on services. You should continue to stay at home if you feel unwell or have a positive test result. Don't go in to work or education and avoid contact with others until you feel better. If you go out whilst you have COVID-19 or another infectious illness, you can easily spread it to other people. This puts people who are more vulnerable at risk from serious illness, and can put essential services under significant pressure when outbreaks occur in those settings."
We should all take these steps to reduce the impact of COVID-19:
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test, or symptoms of any other infectious illness, stay at home and avoid contact with others until you feel better.
You must continue to wear a face covering in healthcare settings, and it's sensible to wear one if you're in enclosed indoor spaces where you're coming into contact with others - like on public transport and in shops.
Use your lateral flow tests to check you're not infectious before going in to higher risk situations, like visiting vulnerable people or someone in hospital or a care home.
Get vaccinated if you haven't already done so - and make sure you get your boosters to get maximum protection. We know that vaccines are the best defence against serious illness.
Follow simple hygiene measures - wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitiser when you're out and about, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.